Post provided by Home and Garden Co

While chandeliers were once confined to grand ballrooms, more and more decorators have made them a central part of other design aesthetics.  Shabby chic, a motif that is a carefully planned combination of faux-worn and vintage pieces, has been featured in every major design book.  Though the looks that are featured in most catalogs center around expensive pieces, home decorators with any budget can recreate this look in their homes or apartments on a shoestring budget.

The most popular chandelier style for shabby chic rooms is one in which crystals and white washed metal are combined to give the piece an aged look.  True crystal will add hundreds of dollars to the price of a chandelier, but low cost, plastic options will look just as good at a fraction of the price.

Budget department stores and online shops offer such styles for $50 or less.  Chandeliers with faux crystal are also far more lightweight, making them fast to install and easy to clean.  This single detail will immediately update the look of any room, and can be used as the primary source of light.

For those who prefer the look of true vintage pieces, online auction sites offer the most options at the widest variety of prices.  In order to find the best deals, keep your search terms broad.  Be willing to consider brands that are less well know or items that may need to be refinished or restored.  The growing popularity of chandeliers also means that they are readily available at many antique shops.  If you are looking for a real crystal investment piece, buying in person is the best way to ensure that you are getting the perfect item that will be a centerpiece of your home for years to come.

Any fan of the shabby chic design aesthetic will find that chandeliers go a long way in achieving this look.